Man United have a perfect record in Champions League (previously called European Cup) finals, winning three out of three finals. Barcelona have won only two out of five finals.
Man United are the first defending champions to reach the final since Juventus in 1997. The English side also has the chance to become the first club to retain the Champions League. Milan did it in 1990 but back then it was called the European Cup.
Both the Champions League triumphs of Barcelona have an English connection. Their first one in 1992 came at London’s Wembley Stadium when they beat Italian club Sampdoria 1-0 after extra time. Their second one in 2006 came against North London’s Arsenal, whom the Spanish side defeated 2-1.
For the first time since 1999, the finals will be played between two domestic champions. That year it was won by United when they defeated German giants Bayern Munich at the Nou Camp.
Rome will host the final for the fourth time in their history. They previously hosted it in 1977, 1984 and 1996. England’s Liverpool have appeared in two out of those three finals and have won both.
United will aim to become the sixth side and second English side to win the trophy four times while Barca will try to become the first Spanish side to do the unique treble- La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League.
Teams from England and Spain have won the trophy 11 times each. However Spain has appeared in 20 finals compared to England’s 16. Spain was represented in seven consecutive finals from 55 to 62 while England had at least one team from 1977 to 1982. In the last five years there has been at least one English team in the final.
Gerard Pique, who won the Champions League with United last year, will have the chance of winning it against them this time. Henry, who lost the final in 2006 against Barca, will have the chance of winning it with them this year. Barcelona’s Puyol, Xavi, Iniesta, Valdes, Eto’o and Messi will aim to win their second title. Man United’s Giggs and Gary Neville will be looking for their third winners’ medal.
Sir Alex Ferguson would be looking for his third title which would equal Bob Paisely's three triumphs with Liverpool. Pep Guardiola would become the third individual to win the trophy first as a player and then as a coach of the same club after Miguel Munoz of Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti of Milan.
The two teams have met in European competitions nine times. United have won three, Barca two and four matches have ended in draws. Their only meeting in a final came in the 1991 Cup Winners Cup final which the English side won 2-1.
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